Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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182. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what action his Department is taking to increase the number of available places to dental students at the two dental schools in University College Cork and Trinity College Dublin; if consideration would be given to the provision of additional funding to invest and expand the two dental schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18364/23]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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183. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what action his Department is taking to increase the number of available places for dental hygienist students in the two dental schools in University College Cork and Trinity College Dublin, in view that approximately 25 dental hygienists graduate from the two dental schools annually which as per a report (details supplied) is not enough graduates annually to address the dental workforce crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18365/23]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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184. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what action his Department is taking to address the current shortage of qualified dental nurses in the dental workforce nationally; if consideration would be given to the allocation of additional training places for dental nurses to deal with this shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18366/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 to 184, inclusive, together.

The matter of health workforce planning and ensuring an appropriate pipeline of qualified healthcare workers within Ireland, including all suitably qualified dental professionals, is a major priority for my Department.

I have just recently received recommendations from the HEA in respect of the Expressions of Interest process in which were sought submissions regarding possible expansion of places in five disciplines – Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary. I am currently reviewing the opportunities identified by this process and will be looking to engage further with the Minister for Health and other relevant Departments in the coming weeks.

As I am still reviewing the submission from the HEA, it is not possible to say how many further places may be delivered at this time, or in what specific areas these places may be made available. The Minister for Health and I will consider opportunities for new programme provision alongside options for current programme expansion to determine a final list of options.

My Department and the Department of Health will be engaging closely on this matter to consider these options, having regard to workforce plans and projected demand for graduates.